Chris Whipple is a journalist and documentary filmmaker. He is author of The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency.
Chris Whipple on KCRW
More from KCRW
Cautious optimism at the ports after tariffs dry up business
TransportationPort business slowed to a trickle after Pres. Trump’s imposition of a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. Even with a lower tariff, the uncertainty is hard on trade.
Trump plans order to cut public media funding — what does that mean for KCRW?
PoliticsA threat to public media — how that impacts KCRW and what you can do about it.
Israel’s military expansion in Gaza, Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra
InternationalIsrael’s cabinet approved plans that include “conquering the [Gaza] strip,” which would displace over a million Gazans. It could lead to long-term Israeli occupation of the territory.
Why are Republicans so far apart on a new tax bill?
PoliticsCracks within the GOP turn the “Big, Beautiful Bill” into a mess. President Trump visits the Middle East. Plus, Democrats’ past and future collide.
Dept. of Defense ‘chaos’ and the political legacy of Pope Francis
PoliticsCan the “chaos” at the Department of Defense be resolved, or is it just how this White House operates? Plus, KCRW examines the political legacy of Pope Francis.
LA’s religious groups empower immigrants amid deportations
ImmigrationReligious institutions have long been a refuge for immigrants. Now, they’re mobilizing in response to recent actions from the Trump administration.
Democrats fight Trump agenda, Russia seeds AI with misinfo
PoliticsHecklers at a recent town hall accused Congresswoman Laura Friedman of not fighting hard enough against the Trump administration. She says she understands the frustration.
How much would Hollywood suffer if China blocks film releases?
EntertainmentChina is limiting the number of Hollywood films in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
China to limit US film imports: Big financial hit to Hollywood?
ArtsChina says it’s limiting U.S. films being released there, in response to Trump’s tariffs. Hollywood has already been hit by worker strikes, streaming wars, and COVID shutdowns.